FGCU is Environmentally Friendly.

How FGCU is environmentally friendly?  I'll tell you :)

One of the main energy saving mechanisms that we have on campus is for our air conditioning. FGCU has one of the largest ice thermal storage plants in the state of the Florida. This device converts cold water to a holding tank to the cooling capacity. The storage unit operates at night to allow the chilly water to make the ice. The ice is then used during the peak electric utility period to power the fluid to move to the heat exchangers. The storage plant sends cold water through tunnels which are located underground. These tunnels go to cool buildings according to each building’s cooling needs. During the night, the plant produces ice when the electricity is low, which helps save on the electric bill, and it also reduces the need for other generating utilities.

Our campus has many different buildings that are designed for a friendly environment. Each building is specifically designed to conserve energy in some way. For instance, each building reflects Florida’s climate by providing shade near buildings and walkways. It also includes tinted exterior building windows so the heat coming in is not as abrupt as is would be with a normal window. The campus has openings that allow the air to ventilate through the air conditioning units to conserve energy. The buildings are designed to endure the suns strong winds, the strength of a hurricane winds and rainfall during the intense rainy seasons. In the freshman dorms, Biscayne and Everglades, the windows are permanently closed shut. They designed the buildings this way so people would not take advantage of the air conditioning if the windows were left open. Many people are care less about turning off the air conditioning while the windows are open. This way, we are saving on electricity which saves the school tons of money.

On our campus, located in a huge field near the entrance of the university, are over 10,000 or so solar panels. These panels transport the energy from the sun and save it up to be used in the buildings. Along with this enormous field, solar panels will also be located on top of buildings and parking garages. On average, the university will save $875,000 every year and $22 million in a thirty year period. The solar panels will generate more than one-fourth of the power each year.

Eagles love tap water :) we even have reusable bottles!

 FGCU is among one of the only universities that uses an ice plant to generate ice at night when electricity is not used as much and sends cold water through tubing systems to each of the individual buildings for air conditioning. Additionally, tinted windows on all university windows reduce the solar heat gain decreasing cooling expenses.

http://www.fgcu.edu/EHS/Conservation.html